Below are the 6 most recent journal entries recorded in beronikagila's LiveJournal:

Saturday, September 2nd, 2006
8:53 pm	meme I have already told Cat that in my next life, I would like to come back as a pampered loved (spoiled) house cat... Esp in her house *s* but as long as I was running- I mean living in a house as a loved pet. I like everything that image entails- having staff to wait on me- being the center of their attention, being pet when they come home... sleeping on their beds and laps and eating hoigh protien diets, pouncing, jumping, defying gravity,climbing up trees to be close to the sky, looking with pity at dogs, and all others that are not cats.... being able to bathe even if there is a hurricane and the water is not safe- who needs water???? Its all good. Here is my meme- what would you all like to be reincarnated as next time round?? (4 Comments |Comment on this)
Friday, June 16th, 2006
8:31 am	no link on left to make old entries friends only I am still trying to go back into the old entries and change them to friends only, there is no link on the left and there is no access to the place where new entries allow you to choose friends or public. Any other thoughts anyone> (3 Comments |Comment on this)
Wednesday, June 14th, 2006
5:21 pm	whoooo R UUUUUUUUU??? This is a message intended to pop up if you r a person wanting to add me as a friend. If so, just write and tell me who u R & why you want to be added as a friend. I will probably do so.... Be well- Beronika Current Mood: hopeful Current Music: Leaonard Cohen (Comment on this)
Thursday, May 4th, 2006
5:17 pm	meme umm am I supposed to call this that? *confused....* My birthday is January 15th, 1954 Three events: 1-588 BC - Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon lays siege to Jerusalem under Zedekiah's reign. The siege lasts until July 18, 586 BC. 2-1995 - The first episode of Star Trek: Voyager airs (bichika and I watched every episode.. of ocurse we also used to watch Gilmore Girls before she defected... but I digress...) :) 3-1870 - A political cartoon for the first time symbolizes the United States Democratic Party with a donkey ("A Live Jackass Kicking a Dead Lion" by Thomas Nast for Harper's Weekly). (interesting as the LA teacher recently asked the H teacher when these polical symbols began and how and all he knew was they were from a cartoon...) Births- 1-1929 - Martin Luther King Jr, American civil rights leader, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize (d. 1968) (that one I always know...) 2-1942 - Charo, Spanish-born singer and actress nThat one I did not know- and I LOVE charo! Have you ever heard her play Spanish guitar? Killer! Deaths- 1993 - Sammy Cahn, American songwriter (b. 1913) He was born Samuel Cohen in the Lower East Side of New York City, the son of Jewish immigrants from Poland. He was married at least twice; first to Gloria Delson in 1945, and later to Virginia Basile in 1970. He wrote lyrics for many songs, including four Academy Award winners: 1954 – "Three Coins in the Fountain" (music by Jule Styne) introduced by Frank Sinatra in the film of the Three Coins in the Fountain (movie). 1957 – "All the Way" (music by James Van Heusen) introduced by Frank Sinatra in the film The Joker is Wild. 1959 – "High Hopes" (music by James Van Heusen) introduced by Frank Sinatra and Eddie Hodges in the film A Hole in the Head. 1963 – "Call Me Irresponsible" (music by James Van Heusen) introduced by Jackie Gleason in the film Papa's Delicate Condition. ............................................................. daughter said I put it in her mans lj by mistake- sorry blee!!!! Im a newbie to this lj stuff... ok, I have done it! Is there another one I am supposed to do? Im just lernin this here stuff... an english question for you all up North.. Ironic to irony= sardonic to _________ we were wonderin.... supper was delish and kitchen is clean - made flounder in white wine pan friend(cheap frozen flounder too- and wine was left from shabbos..) spinack and little pastas with melted soft cheddar... very good! umm no food for tomorrow- not sure what we will come up with.. injured the little finger on my hand rushing about to make the sup... off to watch house now- missed last nights and this is the continuation... (5 Comments |Comment on this)
Wednesday, May 3rd, 2006
1:43 am	holocaust2 Today I gave Mr H the history teacher a letter to give the students. My concern was that they would base their perception of the holocaust on the book The Devils Arithmetic and on Anne Frank, which they are beginning in Lang Arts. This letter clarified on a very simple level- giving those that want to persue this study something to go on. The Devils Arithmentic is very slow in the entire first half- esp for Non Jews- who are floundering with all the Jewish custom and language issues. Here is the good thing- many of the kids are now being compassionate(in the reg classes- not the trouble class)... and Mr H told me I ehlped him not lose the kids- he actually said- I would have lost them without your input...(because the book was slow moving in the beginning). I was terribly pleased! It has been a long time since I got any respect at all in my life and it surely felt wonderful! I enclose the letter he will give to the students when we move along more.. and wish you all a good nite... Additional Information ~The Study of the Holocaust is very complex. There are many stories that are not like this one. There are stories of Jewish people who lived in cities and did not even observe any Jewish holidays or traditions, many people who lived with Christian or German spouses, many Christian people who only had a distant relative- like a great grandfather who was Jewish- or people who did not even know they had any distant relatives who might have been Jewish- these people were also victims of the Nazis. It did not matter if you were rich, poor, city, country, religious or not. ~There are stories of people who were not Jewish who helped their Jewish friends and neighbors by hiding them. These people are honored in Israel and are called Righteous Gentiles. ~There are stories of people that hid in the wilderness and forests and sabotaged the Nazi forces- some of these people were Jewish and others were against the Nazis, these were called Partisans- or Resistance Fighters. ~There are stories of different kinds of concentration camps unlike the one in the story- a famous one was called Terezinstat- it was filled with the famous artists, singers, musicians and celebrities of the time who happened to be Jewish- this would be like your movie stars of today. These people were forced to make entertainment for the Nazis. ~There are stories of stolen art and things of beauty that the Nazis hoarded and after the war, were located. Some of these treasures were returned to the surviving family members many years later. Store houses of these treasures will be found now and again to this day. ~The Nazis did not just want to kill the Jews- they had an idea that they were the best of the human race and anyone that was not exactly like them, should not live. They did not want anyone of color, or any of the ethnic groups that were different, anyone with different lifestyles, to live either. They did not want anyone sick to live, they did not want anyone old to live and they did not want anyone who did not agree with their ideas to live. Their goal was to conquer all of the world- the US included. (There were reports of Nazi spies in Florida even- ask Ms Kudyba for the name of the book about this that she has.) ~They were so sure of themselves- that they themselves recorded many of the terrible things that they did for “posterity”. They recorded this in pride, sure it would be used as examples to show how great and wonderful they were, sure this would be in a museum some day, to brag about. ~The story of the Holocaust is not just a Jewish story. It is a story about what happens when people who feel hatred of another group are allowed to systematically kill them and torment them and not look at them as human beings. It has happened and is happening to people even now. When we know of its happening- it is up to each person to protest. ~Even the Terrorist attack on 911 is similar in one way- the terrorists look at US - all Americans- of all colors, faiths and identity- as one evil force that should be eliminated because we do not fit their idea of what should be allowed to be alive. This is not something limited to one group. ~If you want to learn more about the subject of the Holocaust- you can start by asking your parents to rent Paper Clips. It is a dvd about Middle school students nowadays who decided to learn about this subject. It is not so scary that you would have to worry. It will lift your spirits. There are also many movies about World War II and the Holocaust and many books also. ~This website is also a good place to start learning about the subject- or the part of this terrible time in Modern History on your own- it is for teachers but you can pick what you want to learn about. http://members.aol.com/TeacherNet/Holocaust.html ~I was fortunate to study this subject for a year in college with a woman historian (Nora Levin) who wrote the first major book about this subject. My term paper was about the music of this time- believe it or not- there was constant music. The victims used familiar melodies with words changed to express themselves ; to keep themselves going. The children sang to distract themselves, the adults wrote lullabies for their children, and the partisan fighters had an “underground” (secret) song that we sing at our seder every year to honor them. Thank you for your patience and open heartedness in learning about this brave and sad time………………………………..Mrs. S (5 Comments |Comment on this)
Saturday, April 22nd, 2006
3:56 pm	my youngest (autisitic) daughters Bat Mitzvah I wrote this right after the Bat Mitzvah. I then made an edited version for my shul, the school I work in and the parents of blee. This is the whole version S’s Bat Mitzvah March 25, 2006 I would like to share with you all aspects of my visit to Massachusetts and S’s Bat Mitzvah. First of all- unlike as she was at the wedding- she actually recognized me this time! She of course wanted to make sure I was not taking charge again as she has her 2 guys there wrapped around her finger and she would not want any permanent interruption of her current gig. The kids got it made.. 2 doting daddy figures- one actual daddy[Jo] and her daddy like pal for 6 years [my friend L- there waiting on her hand and foot] - made me sorta jealous. I often wonder if she has something goin in survival instincts that we would all envy and aspire to- must take notes! Must take notes!!!!! I woke her up with a lolly and assured her Mommy was here for a VISIT and for her Bat Mitzvah. She was really happy to see me and we had a good old time. L and I amused her with a shadowing game where I followed everything he did. She was practically rolling on the floor in laughter. Plus I made her hard boiled eggs which Jo doesn’t do- he only eats them at Pesach- and she has always had a behavior of- if seeing eggs- HOPING each one will be hard boiled- therefore- opening endless raw eggs and having piles of raw egg on the floor. Needless to say that they is no point in stocking eggs in that house for Jo(I don’t understand why Jo does not want piles of raw egg on the floor?? HMMMMM….) But as I was there- I said get them and hide them really well and I will make them and shell them. Her comprehension is much improved. I told her at the table that Mommy made hard boiled eggs for her- already with the shells off! She grinned ear to ear. She was probably thinking- if Mommy can send me clothes and shoes and stuff through UPS- why the Heck can’t she send me the shelled Hard Boiled eggs ???? She probably thinks maybe only GIRLS can make them- but as girls then get on her case about all her odd behaviors and her guys are so accommodating- better to stick with the men folk… (again- thinking here that I should have taken NOTES!!!!!!) I made a nice Shabbat dinner and she basically ignored it as it was not her choice. She has her own thing- she likes the packaged cold cuts with lots of ketchup- and one can apparently NEVER have enough skinless and boneless sardines in oil. Also she eats romaine and tomatoes with Kens country French dressing- very specifically. The tomatoes have to be separate- duh!!!! Bear in mind all of you- she is on vocational track and the school has been training her to be making food trays in classes and institutional settings… I do not expect the recipients to actually GET any of the tomatoes….. Well I bought for her 4 outfits and I did not know what she would soil and when. I said to her- Mommy has pretty dresses for your Bat Mitzvah- would you like to see them and pick out what you want??? She thought about it and then said “NO!” L said “would you like the hard boiled eggs?” She thought and then said “YES!!!!” After endless eggs and sardines and bottled water-(is this the zone diet I think? LOTS of protein???) We again asked her about the dresses. After she saw our first choice- she did not even want to look at the others. Bichika and I spent many hours on line and phone choosing it. It is emerald green satin with a black overlay mesh patterned with diamond shape and in each corner of the diamond is a sparkly rhinestone. And it is empire waist and had a black velvet bow. It came with a velvet jacket but I instead matched it with a black lace shrug (as I figured the heat would be on in the shul and she might take off the velvet jacket) and bought a starburst “diamond” ( yeah, they were real diamonds…..LOL) brooch to put at the shrug tie to help secure her girl tallis. She was appropriately mesmerized. She did not need the second back up- rose colored stretch lace top and black jersey skirt with pearls and lace trim until she was home. She wore cream tights- the silvery grey wedding Mary Janes- and on a silver chain she allowed us- which was a miracle- something Mom had passed to me that was Dad’s- as that way he was “up on the Bima” with her. She rarely likes things around her neck but you know my Dad- he had a strong will and he let her tolerate it from up there. Grin Also she amazingly tolerated wearing my wedding hat-kippah which was also green- I had bought a plain black “teardrop shape” girl hard shell kippah and decorated it to match my mother of the bride gown so this was a similar color and she wore it. I had a Shabbas watch that she always wanted- and I told her it was S’s now and she can wear it on special times and for Shabbos. I told her Mommy’s Shabbos watch is S’s Shabbos and special watch now because now S is Bat Mitzvah! I also heard L ask her Friday night- S- what is going to happen tomorrow? She said- “MY BAT MITZVAH!!!!” This has been talked about and trained for so long- she understands it is like HER wedding…. She had total comprehension that this was special and significant and her day and a once in a lifetime event and that she was queen for this day and all the world was hers….. Standing on the Bima- wow- she giggled the whole time and her whole persona was like a queen. The shul was packed. All the congregation was there. The Hebrew school was there. Most of her workers were there. Her case manager was there. Her director of her day program for autism was there. Her after school program was there. Her other (male) favorite worker of long standing-M was there. Even though M now works full time elsewhere, he still keeps a few respite hours with her as she tends to bond with the guys… (again gals- are ya taking NOTES???) On the bima was L, Me, Jo, S and the director of the Hebrew chool. Bichika and blee were on the first row. L whispered to me- don’t look at Bichika!!! Poor thing was crying non- stop and L and I were struggling not to “catch the wave”. It’s like yawning you know-contagious- especially when it is something we have been working toward for so very long. The rabbi was very kind and patient. S was on mild tranquilizers- just enough to control any behaviors that might be destructive or abusive- but all she did was giggle non stop. She was the center of attention and she Knew it. Every prayer that was said- she mouthed. When she was called up to have her aliyah- her classmates came up to help- she heard them saying it so she only mouthed all but the last word of each blessing. I do not think that the congregants could hear her. The rabbi helped her touch the torah and she gurgled in ecstasy! Like she knew this was a special honor to be touching the torah on the actual BIMA! We finished a book and when the rabbi said Chazak Chazak- she repeated Chazak Chazak!!!! Jo made a beautiful and eloquent, wonderful dvar torah. It brought together the double parsha and connected the making of the Mishkan(tabernacle) with all the people both at the shul and in her various programs as they make for her a safe tabernacle. He referenced lots of Hebrew and explained roots in common and was on the level that would best any Rabbi anywhere. Then it was my turn. I immediately pointed out that Jo was a tough act to follow… I focused on how the parshas emphasized the need for diverse material- gold, silver, copper, fabric and how all of the materials were equally needed to make the Mishkan. I referenced that men and women of open will and heart were ASKED to contribute to its building, not commanded. I mentioned how throughout Torah, the value of each individual is pointed out. How G-d sees us all as perfect and however imperfect we are- we are all needed and perfect and of exquisite value in our own right. I said in our world S may seem imperfect but in G-d’s eyes she was perfect. I told them that S was mouthing the prayers next to me and that others could not hear her but I knew G-d heard her. I told them how she takes things in. I told them of the time that she was 3 and came out with the entire Eliyahu Hanavi- but just not at any time when we expected to hear it. I wanted the teachers to know that she did learn the Hebrew prayers that they taught her there even if they could not hear it. I thanked Jo and L for their endless patience with her and Bichika for being her big sister and all the people in her world who help her get through the day in a world that really seems odd to HER and with all its curious restrictions that do not match what she would consider normal. The second grade class has been with her for 3 years and they came up and said the shema hoping she would say it with her but all she did was giggle. So in my chance to speak- I brought her to the microphone and I chanted “Shema” … I paused and looked at her and she put her face right up the microphone and said : “Yisroel Adonai Elohenu Adonai Echad!” They all clapped and laughed . Bichika came up and did the Haftorah for S. She did a wonderful Job. blee held up the torah. S did not want to dress the torah. She never was into dressing dolls either… So it was true to form…. We had a kiddush and luncheon for her downstairs. But , on our way to it…. after we came down from the bima- we were stopped by her paparazzi! Workers came up and were snapping pics! I told them that please send me copies! They explained that this has been the focus of much conversation in all her programs. They were all eagerly awaiting this day and they wanted to post pics in their various walls of success. It was a day they have been waiting for and they were not even Jewish. I have left something out- Her Hebrew school classmates had gotten together and raised money for her own tallis. There is a lady in the shul who makes girl tallises. They presented it to her and they showed everyone how her name was in English and Hebrew and I saw the décor on the white velvet cover- I saw the décor on the silk tallis. I was amazed. Then when I went to the luncheon- I saw the décor. It was mainly one thing- butterflies. They matched the décor to the tallis. As you all may know- butterflies was something my mom loved. She used to collect pins of them and just loved them. This was why- when I made the unveiling weekend- I included the trip to Butterfly World in the day. Well what I wanted to know was how that came about. So we tracked down someone who knew the story. The woman who made the tallis was someone who lost her husband to cancer a year ago. She was pondering what to use as her theme that S might relate to. All of a sudden into her head came the image of a butterfly. So she went with that. And then the whole room was filled with them. Table decorations made by the Hebrew school kids of butterflies and Torahs. It was beautiful. Then some tables- with Israeli folk dancers cut out of plywood and painted. They looked- I promise you- like the costumes Mom used to make for the Habonim Dance troupe. I said- where did these came from? (I mean these looked high level- not something kids made…) They said- well last Shabbat they had some Israeli teenagers visiting and they made a kiddush for them. For some reason- at the last minute, they decided to leave a few of then scattered around on some of the tables. We had a lovely cake (chocolate with white frosting) with a picture of the Torah and S’s name on it. The kids had a table for her. On it were presents (like puzzles and toys) and maybe 50 hand made cards from all of the Hebrew school. People all ages came up and told me how much they liked S and older people told me how happy and significant it was that this project was done in their community and in their Temple and how much they were moved by the experience, by how much they learned from it. When the 2nd grade kids came over- I thanked them for teaching and helping S with all her Jewish work- I said you were all such good helpers with her and I really appreciate it! They all nodded very solemnly. The Franciscan nuns who were our friends and neighbors came to the service also- I thanked them very much. Bichikas and blee's friend eternal cow who is wonderful (I am “adopting” her as another daughter- she actually E-MAILS me!!!!) and she attempted to video tape it. But Jo did not have the right tapes for the camcorder- I mean this is not his area of expertise. But I reassured her- most Bat Mitzvahs are not videotaped – only the Reform even allow it I think. Even the picture taking in the shul is not in Jo’s and my frame of reference. With Bichikas’s Bat Mitzvah- we had a fake picture taken the day before on the dry run… But there will be pictures and when they come to me- I will send some out to all of you. We had to get home to make a “Third meal” for my Orthodox friend who came all the way from Crown Heights to wish us well. (Well she was not able to actually enter the Reform shul as her observance would forbid doing so.) I had a lovely visit with her. S changed into outfit number two but collapsed shortly after sticking her fingers in the frosting of her cake with the Torah picture on it but before she could deal with the presents. Well this way she can drag out her celebration- open one or two things a day. She tends to do that with birthdays also. Savoring each moment. Again- in all seriousness- maybe we should take notes? It was hard leaving her- After Havdalah I had to go back with the kids to Waltham as I was departing from Boston. I was crying so much that eternalcow- my new “adopted” daughter( I don’t care that she has parents- they have to share her… : ) offered to do Reiki on me.(Which she does- I mean is this cool or what?) As there was not much more kosher Chianti left- I said yes. It did calm me down enough o say goodbye to the sleeping S and the guys there… I did get to see Bischikas friend K- for those of you at the wedding- the gal in the tux- as she was my ride back to the airport. She is a doll. So now it is back to the grind. For those who sent gifts, I will send you a real thank you note soon. But I did not want anyone to wait to hear how it went. I wanted to write while it was fresh in my mind and before I am back to the grindstone. Its hi ho hi ho its back to work I go. This is how I spent my spring vacation folks. Watching something that everyone told me was against the odds: my moderate to severely autistic daughter officially join our community and become Bat Mitzvah. Could there be anything sweeter? Love to you all- B (1 Comment |Comment on this)